RIDGE RUN Lead Service Line Inventory
About RIDGE RUN water system
RIDGE RUN serves approximately 3,500 people in Montana. The system draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
RIDGE RUN has not yet completed a lead service line (LSL) inventory. As of now, there is no public count of how many lead pipes may be in the system.
Federal law requires all US water utilities to inventory their lead service lines by October 2024. Inventories help utilities and residents understand where lead pipes exist so they can be replaced or managed safely.
If you haven't heard from RIDGE RUN about their inventory progress, that's not unusual—many smaller systems are still in the early stages. However, you have a right to know their status.
What you can do now
Ask your utility directly. Contact RIDGE RUN and ask:
- When they expect to complete their lead service line inventory
- Whether they have interim findings about lead pipes in your area
- How you can learn whether your home has a lead service line
Find your service line material. While you wait for the official inventory, you can sometimes find clues at home. Inspect the water line where it enters your house (often in the basement or crawlspace). Lead pipes are dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a key, and may show a silvery mark when scratched. Galvanized (zinc-coated) pipes are shiny and magnetic. Copper pipes are reddish-brown.
Don't assume you're safe. Lead pipes are most common in homes built before 1980, but can exist in newer homes too. The only way to know for certain is a water test or a plumber's inspection.
Test your water if concerned. A simple and inexpensive lab test can measure lead levels in your drinking water. Your utility or local health department can recommend certified labs.
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Next steps for residents
- Contact RIDGE RUN to ask about their inventory timeline and current findings
- If your home was built before 1980, consider having a plumber inspect the service line where it enters your house
- Test your water for lead through a certified lab (contact your utility for recommendations)
- Keep an eye out for utility notices—RIDGE RUN must share inventory results publicly once complete
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does RIDGE RUN have lead service lines?
RIDGE RUN has not yet completed their required lead service line inventory, so there is no official count. Contact the utility directly to ask about their progress and whether they have any interim findings.
How do I know if my house has a lead pipe?
Inspect where the water line enters your home—lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a key. You can also hire a plumber to inspect, or have your water tested by a certified lab.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into drinking water from old pipes, especially if water sits in the line or if the water is acidic. The only way to know your water's lead level is to test it; contact your utility for lab recommendations.
When do utilities have to finish their lead pipe inventories?
Federal law requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024. RIDGE RUN should have results available by then or shortly after.